Volunteers Beautify the US 25E East Tennessee Crossing Scenic Byway

Norris, Tenn. (Sept. 30, 2021) - The East Tennessee Crossing Scenic Byway received grant funding to host five beautification projects along the eighty-three mile “Tennessee Wilderness Road.” Volunteers planted daylilies to connect the communities to the historic roots of this route.

 In June 2021, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced a new collaboration as the Official Automotive Partner of the National Scenic Byway Foundation. Included in Toyota’s support was funding for the inaugural year of the National Scenic Byway Foundation "Love Our Byways" micro-grant program, which funds nonprofit byway organizations "to organize conservation and beautification programs that will be amplified by grassroots volunteers."

The East Tennessee Crossing Byway was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2009. The ETCB initiative, co-managed by the ETCB steering committee and the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, was awarded $2000 for planting orange day-lilies (Hemerocallis fulva) to locations along the byway.

The daylilies symbolize the resilience of the early pioneers that walked this path to homestead America’s first frontier. Over fifty volunteers helped with the beautification projects. The Steering Committee consists of - Linda Lewanski- Director of Tourism Cocke County Partnership, Anne Ross- Director of Tourism Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, Donna Stansberry- President Grainger County Chamber, Lauren Hurdle- Tourism Director Jefferson County Tourism, Karyn Clark- President/ CEO Claiborne County Partnership, and Julie Graham, Executive Director Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council.

Volunteers included college students, Keep America Beautiful affiliates, community and business leaders, chambers, and youth groups.

Special thanks to Century Bank Tazewell, Veterans Overlook US 25E, Walters State Community College, the City of White Pine, and the City of Newport for offering their locations for plantings and to Rusty Wallace Toyota Morristown for assisting at the September 23 planting event.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julie Graham
info@9lakeseasttn.com